Panthers and Politics

With debates and rallies being held throughout the nation, the 2020 Presidential Election is drawing nearer and nearer.

The students and teachers of South are full of different ideas and political viewpoints, so when the election gets even closer, it might be a main source of conversation in the halls.

South has many extracurricular activities as well as classes that fuel students’ interest in politics, such as Debate, Young Democrats and Young Republicans. While some of the younger students don’t really give politics much thought, the school is filled with individuals—both students and teachers alike—with strong political beliefs who aren’t afraid to stand out.

Alicia Walker, social studies, said that no matter what, she always votes for presidential elections. She takes pride in her political beliefs, but since she teaches a subject that usually always brings up politics, she refrains herself from speaking about her views as to not clash with her students.

Walker said that there isn’t a candidate that’s sparked her attention yet, because there are “just so many candidates.”

Megan Palmer, journalism, also frequently works with politics. Every day at the beginning of her Journalism class, she shows her students news clips and have a news quiz every Friday. Palmer said that she always votes in presidential elections.

“Although, I live in Kansas, so my vote doesn’t necessarily make a big difference,” Palmer said.

She also said that she is proud of and stands behind her political views, but she doesn’t “like to force” her opinions on others. There currently isn’t a candidate that’s grabbing her eye yet. Palmer said that the Democratic party is “split up,” because it is early in the election.

“I’m worried about it,” said Palmer regarding the possibility of President Trump winning a second term.

Lastly, Caroline Bennett, senior, is very invested in the political world. Though it is quite early in the election, she has kept up with the debates and rallies. She said that she does not necessarily have a definite opinion on any of the Democratic candidates simply because there are so many of them.

She can only truly begin to decide when the candidates become more “limited.”

“Until the number moves down, we won’t really see their power compared to Trump,” Bennett said.

There is still plenty of time for South’s opinions to grow with the election more than a year away. As it gets closer, South’s voices will be heard.